Mercy Music – What You Stand to Lose

By starrymag | July 7, 2023

By: Maggie Stankiewicz

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I’d say we’re a Power pop rock band with some punk leanings.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Some of my biggest influences include: Thin Lizzy, The Replacements, Squeeze, Jimi Hendrix, Hank Williams, ALL, Elvis Costello…

Q) Your fourth full-length album What You Stand to Lose is out later this summer. What are some themes you explore on it?

A) The general theme I’d say is loss and being able to come out the other side, hopefully a better person from it.

Q) The music video for your latest single off the new album, “Suddenly,” released a few weeks ago. How does the video represent the message and story of the song?

A) I’d say the video is more fun than a direct representation of the lyrics. There are tongue in cheek references to unavoidable situations throughout the video. But definitely more of a silly fun visual.

Q) “Love You/Need You” is another single teasing what fans can expect from What You Stand to Lose. Please tell us the story behind this song of yearning and exasperation.

A) That song is pretty much about admitting to yourself and or accepting a relationship is over. The hook line of the song was something that was said to me and really kind of burned itself into my brain.

Q) “Suddenly” and “Love You/Need You” feature some great guitar licks and polished tones. Did you set out to create an album that was sonically distinct from your past work?

A) We definitely did. We thought this was an important batch of songs and thought doing the record at the blasting room with Bill Stevenson was the right choice. We thought they’d be able to get the happy medium between production without losing urgency/rawness. We believe this was achieved.

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you write music before lyrics?

A) Generally, music always comes first. I can’t think of time while writing that I’ve had actual words or phrases come before a melody.

Q) Are there any songs off the new album that were more difficult or emotional for you to produce and relate to? If so, which tracks are they?

A) The entire album was definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever had to write as of late. I can’t say any one song more than another. I had to face/come to accept a lot of things/situations I was in denial about.

Q) What do you hope lingers with listeners who explore this new album What You Stand to Loseas a whole?

A) I hope the album leaves the listener with a sense of hope. That you can live through the dumpster fire and come out ok on the other side.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) I would love to collaborate with Anthony Raneri from Bayside.

Q) You’re a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with fans?

A) Social media gives you a direct line to communicate with the people that care and are invested in what you’re doing.  It’s a priceless tool and a double edge sword. Without out I don’t think we would have been able to reach half the people that listen to/enjoy the band.

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of your music?

A) Thank you so much for all your continued support! We love you and hope you enjoy the new album!

 

 

 

 

All Answers From Vocalist and Guitarist Brendan Scholz

 

 

 

Watch The Video For “Found Out I’m Useless”